Speeches
Speech by Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, at the Closing Ceremony of the 2008 Hwa Chong Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit on Wednesday, 23 July 2008, at 6.30pm, at the Legends Fort Canning
Mr. Choong Buat Ken, Chairman, Board of Directors, Hwa Chong Institution
Mr Peter Yeo, Chairman of the Board of Governors, Hwa Chong Institution
Mr Ang Wee Hiong, CEO / Principal, Hwa Chong Institution
Delegates and teacher chaperones
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Good evening.
It gives me great pleasure to share in your success at the Closing Ceremony of the 2008 Hwa Chong Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit.
This is the third year that Hwa Chong Institution has organised the Summit and each meeting has improved on the past. There are now more participants as well as greater breadth and depth in topics discussed.
Sharing ideas and knowledge
More countries - 12 countries in this Summit - are also represented. Top schools from 4 other countries - Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea and the United States - now join previous participants from Australia, China, Japan, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Kingdom to form the biggest and most diverse cross-cultural Summit to date.
Their richly diverse national histories and traditions will widen the different perspectives and should result in more lively interest and active engagement among the participants. The international exposure gained from this Summit will also enable you to develop a deeper understanding of other cultures.
The Summit provides a platform for you to share knowledge with one another, and an environment for the cross-fertilisation of ideas over an extensive range of political, economic and social world issues. I hope that the discussions you had, and the common understanding you have forged, will go a long way to developing your global perspectives and your understanding of the inter-connectedness of the society we live in today.
The Summit has come to an end, but for many of you, it marks a beginning of an exciting journey from new friendships forged. Many here will be the leaders of tomorrow. Keep in touch with one another regularly and share your experiences.
Transcending geographical boundaries
When you interact with one another, keep an open mind that respects each other’s differences. You may not be able to agree on all things but differences in opinions and views provide us new ways of looking at issues, and to finding new solutions for old problems.
Conclusion
I would like to congratulate the school and its partners on the success of the 2008 Hwa Chong Asia-Pacific Young Leaders Summit. I wish all participants the very best in your adventures ahead. I am sure you will be returning home inspired to create new possibilities for future collaborations.
Thank you.